The robot offers four primary modes: Alive mode, which animates Elvis, tracks movements, and makes the occasional famous Elvis remark;
Song mode, in which Elvis sings eight of his best-loved songs;
Monologue mode, where Elvis describes his life and times;
and Sing Through mode, which lets you sing along with Elvis or turn his vocals down and sing over the top
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
Our 1953 Wurlitzer jukebox takes centre stage at New Plymouth Operatic Society’s Christmas show “Ready To Rock” at the Plymouth Hotel. Between a three course meal, performers get the crowd up, dancing, and throwing their knickers to rock hits from Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Billy Joel, Elton John, Dire Straits, CCR, all leading to a stellar finale by Queen (complete with special Christmas guest).
Were you at opening night? If you’ve got a great shot of the jukebox in action send it to us here
Cast for the show: Cameron Curd, Nathan Butler, Shaun Murphy, Stacy Manklelow, Sophie Mawson, Rachel Barker ,Jenny Murray, Courtney Muggeridge. Technical crew: Don Boyd Musical Director, Mel Henshilwood Choreography, Brent Howard Lighting, Howard Rozon Production Manager and Mark Leauthard with music production.
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
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August 16, 1977: Elvis Presley found dead in the bathroom of Graceland age 42 |
Elvis starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges, his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.
His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.
This year also marks the 55th anniversary of the release of the first two Elvis albums. In just that first year, 1956, Elvis sold 10 million singles and 800,000 LPs.
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premiere entertainment and celebrity auction house announces a two-day summer event representing the single most historic collection of music memorabilia ever to be offered to the public on Saturday, June 25, 2011 and Sunday, June 26, 2011
The most significant highlight of the sale is the Michael Jackson Red Thriller Jacket (estimate $200,000-$400,000). The iconic jacket was worn by the great Michael Jackson during the filming of the epic video Thriller which went on to become the top grossing single and the highest selling album of all time makes its debut on the auction block.
The black and red style of the jacket became so identifiable with Jackson’s groundbreaking extended short film video for the single that he continued to use jackets of the same design when performing the song “Thriller” for the duration of his career.
The jacket is a black and red calf leather jacket with “Marc Laurent Paris” label featuring silver buckle, red silk lining, trapunto stitched collar, snap front closure and signature winged shoulders. It is inscribed on the inside lining “To Bush and Dennis, All My Love, Michael Jackson.” The sleeve is also signed “Love Michael Jackson.” Among the most recognizable and famous garment of the 20th century, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket sparked a 1980’s fashion craze like none other. (Estimate $200,000-$400,000).
In addition Jimi Hendrix once wrote “Here Comes the Sun” which was never professionally recorded. The unprecedented offering of two pages of handwritten lyrics and guitar instructions are accompanied by a recording of the song performed in Jimi’s New York apartment. (Estimate $25,000-30,000)
Other highlights include a John Entwistle signed bass guitar (estimate $1,000-1,500),
A broken guitar neck and smashed guitar stand which did not survive Kurt Cobain’s antics at a Nirvana concert (estimate $2,000-3,000),
Eric Clapton signed Blackie Fender guitar (estimate $1,000-1,500),
Janis Joplin signed contract rider (estimate $200-300),
MTV Moonman award for U2’s “With or Without You,” (estimate $2,000-3,000),
Madonna annotated sheet music (estimate $1,000-2,000),
Prince handwritten lyrics for “Electric Intercourse,” (estimate $400-600),
Steven Tyler signed harmonica (estimate $300-500),
Fleetwood Mac Platinum Record Awards (estimate $500-700),
Elvis Presley original TCB necklace (estimate $20,000-40,000)
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
What do you think, would Elvis have rock it with golden locks to match his gold records?
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
Johnny Depp is desperate to play legendary singer Elvis Presley in a biopic.
The 47-year-old is known for his passion for music, having played guitar in his own band and on songs for British rockers Oasis.
The star is now believed to be interested in a planned movie about Presley, which will focus on the lead-up to his death in 1977. The star had problems with drugs, and was suffering from glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver damage, and an enlarged colon at the time of his death aged 42. Depp is understood to be intrigued by the idea of showing a new side to Presley, focusing on his problems rather than his time in the limelight.
“Johnny has always been fascinated by strong characters and inspirational people like Elvis,” a source explained. “He is excited by the idea of a movie focusing on the dark side of Elvis and his later years as a superstar and an icon. It’s still early days but this is a project Johnny is very keen to get off the ground.”
Last year, it was revealed Depp was launching his own record label as he was keen to help launch the careers of new talent.
Do you think Depp has what it takes to pull off a convincing Elvis?
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
No 7 in the lead up to Valentines Day.
Traditional
Not so traditional
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
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Elvis’s Special Agent Badge |
After hand delivering a letter to the northwest gate of the White House to president Richard Nixon on the morning of December 21, 1970 a meeting between the president and the King of Rock & Roll was arranged for 12:30 pm that day. The purpose of the letter and the meeting was Elvis’ desire to become an agent of some kind for the Drug Enforcement Agency to aid in the fight against illegal drugs (ironic, given that Elvis was heavily medicated at the time).
Elvis met with the president in the Oval Office of the White House, where he presented the president with a plated and engraved World War II-era Colt 45. In the meeting Elvis talked about his wish to help in stopping the promotion of anti-American spirit (specifically mentioning the Beatles) and drug use. Later that afternoon Presley received his badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs making him an honorary special agent.
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz
Cirque Du Soleil Elvis style
http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/international/3732007/The-King-comes-back-to-Vegas
When it comes to Elvis Presley and Las Vegas you might have thought you’d seen and heard it all.
The King’s name is synonymous with the City of Sin – from the countless impersonators, Elvis-inspired wedding chapels, and numerous dedication shows.
But a new Cirque Du Soleil extravaganza, playing in the city Elvis spent so much time in as an entertainer, is injecting new life into the late star – more than 30 years after his death. Called Viva Elvis, it is based on Elvis’s music, career and personal life, taking in his humble beginnings, army service, death of his twin brother, marriage to Priscilla, and of course his Vegas show days.
It features about 30 Elvis songs, but in a respectful twist, there’s no vocal impersonator. Rather the songs feature Elvis’ vocals backed by a live band, sped up to give a modern edge with some sung by a woman. Emotion is the theme of the day with this show as you can’t help but feel something, Elvis fan or not. There are video montages with some never seen before footage. His personal life and relationship with Priscilla dominates as she had a lot do with the show as an adviser and collaborator.
There’s a building-sized wedding cake with Priscilla and Elvis labelled across the bottom and a female singer standing on the top, while there’s also a ballet performed inside wedding rings to illustrate their love, to the song Can’t Help Falling In Love. An acrobatic number on a huge guitar represents the sadness Elvis felt at never knowing his twin brother, who was stillborn, played to the ballad One Night. There’s also colour, action, and high energy, with Jailhouse Rock, and Viva las Vegas, featuring 40 Elvis impersonators.
Traditional Cirque Du Soleil fans, however, may be disappointed as it is more about storytelling than acrobatics. But playing at the new 2000 seat Elvis theatre at the new Aria Resort & Casino at City Center in Las Vegas – since February – there is no better place for this show. This is the city where Elvis spent many of his performing days. He first played in Las Vegas at the age of 21 in 1956, at the New Frontier Hotel, where he was billed The Atomic Powered Singer. Then in the early 1960s he spent weeks in the town filming the movie Viva Las Vegas. But it was his appearances there over the years 1969 to 1976 that cemented his legendary status and eternal link with the City of Sin.
Cirque shows, from the famous Canadian circus entertainment company, have been playing in Vegas since the early 1990s, finding their natural home.
The Elvis show comes as the acrobatic circus shows diversify to take on legendary musicians following the success of Love, which features the music of The Beatles.
Next on the cards is a Cirque show as a tribute to the late king of pop Michael Jackson.
But for now, it’s all about Elvis – especially as the King would’ve celebrated his 75th birthday this year.
Expectations are that it will become one of the longest-running Cirque shows.
Viva Las Vagas! Viva Elvis! Long Live the King!
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
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